In this episode, Ricardo discusses excessive complaining in project management, explaining that it hinders progress. He highlights the need to shift from frustration to action and shares three strategies: Reverse Standups, The Two-Minute Rule, and No-Blame Hackathons. He emphasizes that projects are inherently difficult, requiring methodologies and tools, and that complaining alone accomplishes nothing. Instead, focus on solutions that lead to real progress. His main message is clear: stop complaining and take action. He concludes by encouraging listeners to adopt this mindset.

Listen to the podcast to learn more!
#projectchallenges, #team, #leadership


Stop Complaining About Your Project: Less Whining, More Winning

Neste episódio, Ricardo fala sobre a cultura da reclamação em projetos, afirmando que apenas reclamar não resolve problemas. Ele defende a necessidade de ação e apresenta três estratégias: Reverse Standup, Regra dos Dois Minutos e Hackathon Sem Culpa. Para o Ricardo, é fundamental substituir a frustração pela busca de soluções concretas, promovendo decisões rápidas e colaboração ativa. Ele ressalta que projetos são naturalmente desafiadores e que o papel do gerente de projetos é agir para superar obstáculos. Em vez de focar nas dificuldades, é essencial buscar maneiras de melhorar.

Escute o podcast para saber mais!
#projectchallenges, #team, #leadership


Pare de Reclamar do Seu Projeto: Menos Queixas, Mais Conquistas

In this episode, Ricardo emphasizes the importance of monitoring corporate support in projects. Projects often start with enthusiasm, but as challenges arise, support may wane. Ignoring this decline can lead to failure. Ricardo advises openly addressing the issue with stakeholders, even if it's uncomfortable. Recognizing when support is lost allows for adjustments before the project collapses. Developing alternative options is crucial for avoiding professional damage. Remaining adaptable and alert to early warning signs is essential, especially in volatile environments. Blindly pursuing a failing project is destructive and unsustainable. Proactive communication and flexibility are key to preserving value and reputation.

Listen to the podcast to learn more!
#troubledprojects, #communication, #projectchallenges


My #1 Tip to Spot a Troubled Project Before It's Too Late

Neste episódio, Ricardo alerta sobre a perda de suporte em projetos, um sinal frequentemente ignorado. Inicialmente, projetos começam com entusiasmo e apoio, mas dificuldades e novos interesses podem reduzir o comprometimento. Para lidar com isso, ele sugere não ignorar os sinais de desinteresse, ser transparente ao abordar o problema e buscar alternativas. Ricardo destaca a importância de criar opções para evitar que o fracasso de um projeto comprometa a carreira do gerente. Adaptar-se rapidamente às mudanças e reconhecer crises com realismo é essencial para minimizar danos e preservar a reputação e resultados.
Escute o podcast para saber mais!
#troubledprojects, #communication, #projectchallenges


Minha Dica #1 Para Identificar um Projeto Problemático Antes que Seja Tarde Demais

In this episode, Ricardo discusses how AI Agents are transforming project management. Unlike traditional tools, these agents are autonomous, understand context, make decisions, and interact with people and systems to deliver value. With the advancement of models like ChatGPT and platforms such as LangChain, Crew AI and Google NotebookLM, building smart agents has become much easier. They can update schedules, write meeting notes, draft emails, generate reports, and monitor risks—all integrated with tools like Notion, Slack, Trello and Google Docs. This shift changes the project manager’s role to that of an “AI orchestrator.” However, caution is needed due to potential errors, hallucinations, and data security concerns. Ricardo suggests exploring accessible tools like Manus, Zapier with ChatGPT, NotebookLM, Crew AI. AI isn’t here to replace project managers but to empower them to focus on what truly matters.

Listen to the podcast to learn more!


The Rise of AI Agents in Project Work

Neste episódio, Ricardo apresenta como agentes de inteligência artificial (AI Agents) estão revolucionando o gerenciamento de projetos. Diferentes das automações tradicionais, esses agentes são autônomos, interpretam contextos, tomam decisões e interagem com ferramentas como Notion, Slack, Trello e Google Docs. Com o avanço de modelos como ChatGPT e plataformas como LangChain, Crew AI e NotebookLM, ficou mais fácil criar agentes que entendem linguagem natural e atuam com autonomia. Eles podem atualizar cronogramas, gerar atas, escrever e-mails e sugerir ações. O papel do gerente muda de executor para orquestrador de IA. Porém, há riscos como erros e alucinações, exigindo supervisão humana. Ricardo recomenda ferramentas acessíveis como Manus,  Zapier com ChatGPT, NotebookLM e Crew AI. A IA não substitui o gerente de projetos, mas libera tempo para decisões mais estratégicas.
Escute o podcast para saber mais! 


A Ascensão dos Agentes de IA na Gestão de Projetost

In this episode, Ricardo explains that projects don’t really fail — they reveal the truth about an organization. Projects act as mirrors, exposing hidden cultural flaws like poor alignment, weak leadership, and political decisions. When pressure from deadlines and budgets increases, the organization’s true nature surfaces: silos, egos, and fear replacing collaboration. A troubled project is not a failure but an X-ray showing what is broken and who has the courage to fix it. Crises test maturity and trust, revealing whether teams can speak honestly or stay silent. The real mistake is ignoring these lessons and repeating errors. Ricardo explains that learning from failing projects leads to real growth and invites listeners to explore his new course on recovering troubled projects.

Listen to the podcast to learn more!


The Project Didn’t Fail — It Just Revealed the Truth

Neste episódio, Ricardo explica que um projeto não dá errado, mas revela a verdade sobre a organização. Projetos funcionam como espelhos: refletem a cultura da empresa, mostrando falhas escondidas, como falta de alinhamento, comunicação e propósito. Quando há pressão por prazos e orçamentos, a realidade aparece e a cultura verdadeira se expõe — se é de confiança ou de medo. Projetos em crise revelam maturidade organizacional e ensinam, ainda que com dor, quem tem coragem de enfrentar problemas e quem se esconde. O fracasso real está em não aprender com essas lições e repetir os mesmos erros. Ricardo destaca que compreender por que os projetos falham é essencial para recuperar e fortalecer tanto os projetos quanto as organizações.

Escute o podcast para saber mais!

O Projeto Não Deu Errado. Ele Só Revelou a Verdade

In this episode, Ricardo discusses activity loops, which occur when tasks become predecessors and successors to each other, creating cycles that make schedule calculations difficult. Although schedules are designed for linear flows, engineering and innovation projects are often iterative, with constant revisions and feedback. Looping isn't a mistake, but it needs to be represented correctly. Ricardo suggests some ways to avoid this problem, such as creating successive versions (elaboration 1, 2, final), using intermediate milestones, or delayed start-start relationships. When interdependence is unavoidable, he recommends using the Design Structure Matrix (DSM), which maps circular relationships and helps plan blocks of iterative activities. The important thing is to choose the model that best represents the project's reality.

Listen to the podcast to learn more!


The Invisible Loop: Why Your Schedule Never Balances Out

Neste episódio, Ricardo fala sobre os loops de atividades, que ocorrem quando tarefas se tornam predecessoras e sucessoras entre si, gerando ciclos que dificultam o cálculo dos cronogramas. Embora os cronogramas sejam pensados para fluxos lineares, projetos de engenharia e inovação costumam ser iterativos, com revisões e feedbacks constantes. O loop não é um erro, mas precisa ser representado corretamente. Ricardo sugere algumas formas de evitar esse problema, como criar versões sucessivas (elaboração 1, 2, final), usar marcos intermediários ou relações início-início com atraso. Quando a interdependência é inevitável, ele recomenda o uso da Design Structure Matrix (DSM), que mapeia relações circulares e ajuda a planejar blocos de atividades iterativas. O importante é escolher o modelo que melhor represente a realidade do projeto.

Escute o podcast para saber mais!


O Loop Invisível: Por Que Seu Cronograma Nunca Fecha

Hello

Thanks for visiting my profile. 

I am an experienced leader in global operations, project management, business transformation, and crisis management. My main focus is implementing innovative global initiatives, capital projects, and product development. I have directed dozens of projects across industries and continents, managing more than $20 billion in global initiatives over the past 25 years.

I am a seasoned board member who has participated in the Brazilian Institute of Corporate Governance (IBGC) board member program. I was the first Latin American to become chairman of the board of the Project Management Institute globally, where I served for four years. I am also a member of the advisory board of Yera, an Estonian startup dedicated to improving employee performance and engagement through technology and artificial intelligence.

I share my expertise with millions of professionals around the globe through my "5 Minutes Podcast," which I have hosted since 2007 and has reached 12 million views. I've written 16 books on project management, risk and crisis management, and transformation, which have been translated into six languages and sold over half a million copies.

I am a seasoned speaker and have delivered over 250 keynote addresses in 40 countries. My influence on the sector was affirmed when I became the first Latin American to be elected Chairman of the Project Management Institute.

My work as a venture capitalist and entrepreneur in artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, chatbots, and machine learning resulted in tools and products that have revolutionized how users bring agility and agile management into project management software.

More than two decades ago, I founded Macrosolutions, a global consulting firm with international operations in energy, infrastructure, IT, oil, and finance.

Between 2016 and 2020, I envisioned and led the Brightline Initiative, a Project Management Institute think tank in partnership with leading organizations dedicated to helping executives bridge the expensive, unproductive gap between strategy design and delivery.

Before Brightline, I was Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Infrastructure and Project Management Group, leading over 1,000 projects and $1.2 billion in humanitarian and development projects. I was also responsible for the first ESG Report in the UN System, published in 2015.

I have a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering, and a master's degree in Industrial Engineering.

New tracks tagged #projectchallenges